The Myth of the Center

Everyone is obsessed about Obama moving to the center. Too bad it doesn't mean anything anymore.

Paul Waldman | February 1, 2011

Even before President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address last week, the press narrative was clear: Obama would be "moving to the center," a voyage that would anger his Democratic supporters, be dismissed as inadequate by his Republican opponents, but would probably help him with independent voters.

"Obama Woos Center to Embrace His Vision of the Future," read The Wall Street Journal. "Obama Speech Signals Move to Political Center," said Reuters. "Obama's State of the Union Speech Is Another Move to the Center," said USA Today.